Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Virg Bernero famously earned the title "America's Angriest Mayor" after defending the domestic auto industry and union workers on Fox News last year, a defense he says has been justified by recent successes from Detroit's Big Three.

"They gave me the title ...and I accept it," the Lansing mayor told WJR-AM 760 host Paul W. Smith on Thursday. "There's plenty of things to be angry about. But it's not enough to be angry. I'm passionate about the people of Michigan, about the industries of Michigan and our future."

"Some people think manufacturing is passe and Mexico can do it for us or China can. I believe strongly that we have to have a vibrant manufacturing sector, including the Detroit Three. And I think I've been proven pretty correct by what's happening in the auto industry."

While Bernero's combative style has won him some fans, it's also caused friction with some of his Democratic peers.

"We've got to change that concept, quite frankly, because I don't think people want us to be angry in this state," Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said a short time later on WJR, noting he's met with Bernero but is not ready to endorse him just yet. "This is going to be a very, very key time in our state from a leadership standpoint. As tough as things are, we've got to come together as a state, as a Southeastern Michigan community, and work well together. We can't fight each other."

And as for Bernero's other, less-flattering nickname?

Listen to Bernero

"I've been accused of being a 'tool of the unions' because I'm supported by the unions," the candidate said. "But the fact is, I'm for working people. My unions, a lot of them in the city are not happy, why would they be happy? I mean, we're down to a four-day work week in the City of Lansing. Okay, they're not happy about that, but they accepted it. I didn't impose that on them. They have accepted concessions because we're in tough times, because they see effective leadership."

Bernero in 2008 led a group of mayors from around the country in a trip to Washington, where they urged the Bush administration to approve the initial bridge loans for General Motors and Chrysler under the Troubled Asset Relief Program.